Republic of Ireland midfielder Mark Kinsella is determined to play against midlands rivals West Brom on Saturday after missing out on last month’s goalless draw at The Hawthorns but the Dublin native is just happy to get a chance to play.
Since his move from Charlton (Summer 2002 - £750,000 deal), Kinsella featured for the ‘Villa’ from the off, while German midfielder ‘Hitzlsperger’ was spending most of his time in the injury room. Since the German returned to the first team, Kinsella seemed to be Villa boss ‘Graham Taylor’s’ second choice ahead of Gareth Barry and Ian Taylor.
But Mark will take whatever chance is on offer:
“It’s not the way I’d like to get back in, but you’ve got to take your chance when it comes along – if selected.”
“Hitzlsperger (Thomas) came in and scored two twice in three games. He’s playing very well, so you can’t really grumble.”
“You’ve got to take it on the chin. I got in to begin with because Thomas was injured earlier on in the season. I played 14 games straight off and was delighted with that after coming to a new club. It takes time, but I’m confident in my own ability.”
McAteer undergoes second op
Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer will be out of action for a further two months after undergoing a second hernia operation over the weekend.
Black Cat, McAteer, suffered a relapse after the initial operation and was told he needed further surgery after seeing a specialist. It is thought that he will not return to action before the end of February.
McAteer has not featured for the Republic of Ireland National team since 07 September 2002 against Russia, Euro 2004 qualifier in Moscow – a game that took the Birkenhead native to 51 Caps for his country.
But the 31-yearold may now hang up his international boots with the recent departure of Irish boss Mick McCarthy, for he may want to concentrate on his career at domestic level for Sunderland.
Collins without 2 Irish for Wrexham clash
Roddy Collins will be without the services of two of his Irish contingent – Des Byrne and Peter Murphy for the Cambrians Div III league clash with Wrexham this coming Saturday.
Midfielder Murphy - a Dublin native will miss Carlisle’s home game with visitors Wrexham after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season. Byrne on the other hand is currently nursing a back problem, and he is highly unlikely to feature.
Although Collins has made some magnificent signings in the last couple of weeks – former Birmingham & Port Vale and Northern Ireland winger ‘John McCarthy’, and former Leeds striker Craig Farrell, Collins is without adequate cover at the back.
In related Carlisle news, the date for the Cambrian’s 2nd round replay with Scunthorpe has been confirmed. The game will be played on Tuesday 17th December 2002 (k.o. 7.45pm) Brunton Park.
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